Management of the flow of persons and advertisement distribution via wireless media

ABSTRACT

A system and method of wirelessly managing the loading of patrons to an attraction in an entertainment environment is disclosed. A patron can register with the entertainment environment utilizing a wireless device owned by the patron. An electronic entry ticket for the attraction is allocated to the patron through the wireless device, the electronic entry ticket includes a time and a patron identifier in short messaging service format. The electronic entry ticket can also be provided in multimedia messaging service format. The patron can be provided with promotional information through the wireless device, wherein the promotional information can be related to the attraction. Finally, the patron can redeem the entry ticket at the time provided for the allocated entry ticket and allow the patron to enter the attraction utilizing the patron identifier.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/875,096, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, entitled MANAGEMENT OF THEFLOW OF PERSONS IN ENTERTAINMENT ENVIRONMENTS; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/687,191, filed on Oct. 15, 2003, entitled MANAGEMENT OF THEFLOW OF PERSONS IN RELATION TO CENTERS OF CROWD CONTROL VIA WIRELESSCONTROL; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,243, filed on Oct. 15,2003, entitled MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOW OF PERSONS IN RELATION TO CENTERSOF CROWD CONTROL VIA PRIORITY CONTROL; U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/687,226, filed on Oct. 15, 2003, entitled MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOW OFPERSONS IN RELATION TO CENTERS OF CROWD CONTROL VIA TELEVISION CONTROL;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,190, filed on Oct. 15, 2003,entitled MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOW OF PERSONS IN RELATION TO CENTERS OFCROWD CONCENTRATION; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/899,711, filedon Jul. 26, 2004; entitled MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS, BAGGAGEAND CARGO IN RELATION TO TRAVEL FACILITIES; all of which arecontinuations-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/617,721,filed on Jul. 17, 2000, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGINGFACILITY ADMISSIONS, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/372,405, filed on Aug. 10, 1999, andissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,209 on Jan. 9, 2001. The contents of theseapplications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to control of crowds. In particular, it concernsthe control of the flow of masses of people. More specifically, this isin relation to specific areas which are centers of concentration forcrowds. The methods and systems of the disclosure also concern managingthe entry and admission to multiple attractions where the patronsutilize wireless devices. In particular, the disclosure is concernedwith the management of multiple attractions in entertainmentenvironments such as theme parks.

BACKGROUND

There are different techniques used to manage lines at theme parks andachieve for patrons of entertainment environments a pleasant experiencein minimizing wait times and permitting efficient use of time spent inthese parks. Similarly, there is a need for operators of entertainmentfacilities to improve the throughput of patrons to different ridefacilities and establishments in the park. In this way, there is anefficient use of different facilities and patrons can use differentfacilities and activities in a way which benefits the park. More patronscan be accommodated on different attractions in an efficient manner.

Overall, the entertainment experience for patrons and operators ofentertainment facilities needs to be enhanced.

The disclosure is concerned with a method and system for managing theloading of patrons on different attractions in an entertainmentenvironment where there are multiple attractions. More particularly, thedisclosure is concerned with management of lines or queues of patrons inan effective manner which is user-friendly and at the same time providesa system directed towards maximizing use of the facilities in the parkby as many patrons as possible.

An improved system, method and apparatus for managing access and loadingof attractions in an entertainment environment is thus desired.

Additionally, the disclosure is concerned with an enhanced system andmethod of crowd control in the sense of moving masses of people inand/or out of areas of people concentration as necessary.

SUMMARY

This disclosure in one form relates to a system and method managing theloading of patrons on multiple attractions in an entertainmentenvironment. It provides for patrons and customers the choice ofstanding in a first-in first-out line for the attraction, or having apriority space reservation for admission to the attraction at a latertime without standing in the first-in first-out line or queue.

The disclosure further provides for an improvement whereby a controlcomputer and software system dynamically and constantly adjusts toaccount for variations in the entertainment environment, the patronload, external factors such as weather, breakdown or slowing down ofcertain attractions in the entertainment complex, and over demands forspecial promotions and attractions.

The disclosure includes a method and system of managing the loading bypatrons of multiple attractions in an entertainment environment.Different patrons are permitted access to the attraction on at least twobases, firstly, on a first-in first-out basis, and secondly, on apriority basis established by a prior allocation of a space to theattraction.

The method and system further permits a patron of an attraction to use awireless device in order to gain access to an attraction. The wirelessdevice may for example, be a mobile telephone. Entry of a request on thewireless device is made for an allocation of a space on the firstattraction. This includes the steps of:

-   -   i. registering/authenticating a patron with the reservation        system;    -   ii. receiving an input from a patron at a remote location, the        input being communicated to a central computer for requesting a        reservation for an attraction;    -   iii. permitting the receiving of a response by the patron        remotely about available return times for the first attraction;        and    -   iv. permitting the patron to effect a selection of one of the        available return times.

A keying operation is employed through the mobile telephone to requestaccess to a first attraction. The patron may be at a remote locationfrom the attraction. The input from the remote location is generatedfrom a telephone keypad, or other input device employed by the wirelessdevice. The patron is provided with a menu from which to makeselections. The menu may, for example, be displayed on an LCD display asis common on mobile telephones. The input is effected for selecting frommultiple attractions in the environment. In an alternative form themobile telephone or wireless device is responsive to voice actuation bya user or patron for requesting access to the first attraction and/ormaking different selections from the menu.

In another aspect of the present disclosure there is a hierarchy forpatrons using the priority basis. Different patrons in the hierarchy arepermitted access to a first attraction. A request for an allocation of aspace on the first attraction includes the steps of:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a remote location. The input is        communicated to a central computer for requesting a reservation        for an attraction;    -   ii. allocating available return times in relation to a level of        a patron in the hierarchy;    -   iii. permitting receiving of a response remotely about available        return times for the first attraction; and    -   iv. permitting the patrons to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

In one format, the hierarchy is preferably determined on the basis ofthose remotely located from the environment when making a priorityrequest relative to those located at the environment making the priorityrequest. Alternatively, the hierarchy can be based on those resident ina facility associated with the environment when making the request, andthose located at the environment making the priority request.

For example, in one embodiment a person who is planning a vacation ortrip to the entertainment venue is sent notification that they canreserve access to attractions ahead of their visit. The person uses acomputer that is connected to the Internet to visit a website in orderto make a request for a priority reservation in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In another embodiment, the entertainment venue mayoffer a service to hotels or other surrounding venues whereby a personmay make priority requests prior to their visit to the entertainmentvenue. For example, a person would use the television and remote controlin their hotel room to make reservations for one or more attractions theday before their visit to the venue. In the preferred implementationthere already needs to be a valid pass or ticket for the entertainmentvenue prior to being able to purchase or obtain the reservation for theattraction. Preferably there can be a validation of the pass or ticketby the computer system before issuing the reservation.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure there is provided multiplepriority request systems to selected patrons, the multiple requestsbeing for different attractions in the environment. This way, a patroncan schedule visits to multiple attractions

Multiple priority requests can be permitted to selected patrons, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment.The multiple requests can be for different patrons in a selected groupand can be at least one of the levels of the hierarchy of patrons.

In yet a further aspect of the disclosure, application through an entryof an allocation of a space on the first attraction includes the stepsof:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a remote location. The input is        effected through a control device associated with an interactive        television unit, selectively a digital television. A control        device operates the television, and the input is communicated to        a central computer for regulating the load of the first        attraction;    -   ii. permitting receiving of a response remotely about the        available return times for the first attraction; and    -   iii. permitting the patron to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

The television can be locatable remotely from the environment. Theremote location can be selectively in at least one of a room of apatron, the room being associated with the entertainment environment.Alternatively, the television can be in a common area of a facilityhousing the room.

The television application of the disclosure can include differentaspects of a hierarchy of available times determined on the basis ofthose remotely located from the environment when making a priorityrequest and those located at the environment making the priorityrequest.

The priority access can be redeemable through a selected essentiallyautomatic procedure. Such procedure can include any one or more of thereading of one of an RF identification, reading of a magnetic code orbarcode allocated to the patron. Redemption can be at a time of entryinto the environment or at the attraction in the environment.

A computing process determines the mix ratio of numbers of accessesgranted to the priority access and non-priority access. Redemptions ofthe priority accesses are fed back such that near real time updates ofavailability for further granting of accesses may be computed.

There is also the ability to permit at least one of the exchange orreturn of previously assigned priority access. Such exchange permits forupdating the computation of a load of the attraction. A non-use of apriority assignment is preferably factored into a computation ofloading.

Furthermore, a patron can register with the entertainment environmentutilizing a wireless device owned by the patron. An electronic entryticket for the attraction is allocated to the patron through thewireless device, the electronic entry ticket includes a time and apatron identifier in short messaging service format. The electronicentry ticket can also be provided in multimedia messaging serviceformat. The patron can be provided with promotional information throughthe wireless device, wherein the promotional information can be relatedto the attraction. The patron can redeem the entry ticket at the timeprovided for the allocated entry ticket and allow the patron to enterthe attraction utilizing the patron identifier.

A goal of this disclosure is to improve the desired functionality neededto derive increased guest satisfaction, additional revenue opportunitiesand resort differentiation.

The disclosure is further described in relation to the “Fastpass”(Trademark, Disney Enterprises, Inc.) system of achieving linemanagement. For ease of reference the trademark Fastpass is used herein.It is however not the only system of line or queue management covered bythis disclosure. The disclosure generally covers different prioritysystems operable conjunctively with the first-in first-out system.

The disclosure also concerns different aspects of crowd control in manydifferent environments and circumstances as more generally describedbelow.

Furthered objects, features and advantages of the present disclosurewill become apparent from the detailed description and drawings, whichfollow, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of an attraction admission managementsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure for managingadmission to a single attraction.

FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail a system such as that illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system of the present disclosure, which includesmultiple systems for managing admission to multiple attractions.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a management system where multipletickets are granted on a long-term basis, the tickets being receivedbefore visiting a park.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the management of a system wheremultiple tickets are granted on a long-term basis, the tickets beingobtained when visiting the park.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the disclosurewhere information is fed from a master server to a controller of anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 a to 7 c show a flow diagram illustrating a method of thedisclosure by which information is fed from a controller to a masterserver of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system in accordance with another embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a mobile Fastpass system.

FIG. 11 is a more detailed indication of the process flow of the mobileFastpass system using a cellular telephone.

FIG. 12 is a further detailed illustration of the system showing theprocess flow of the mobile Fastpass system using the cellular telephone.

FIG. 13 is a continuation of the process flow showing the mobileFastpass system using the cellular telephone.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the system environment using a cellulartelephone through a wireless connection with an attraction site.

FIG. 15 is a further illustration of a cellular telephone use andwireless connection with an entertainment environment showing thecomputers for controlling the operation of the priority Fastpass system.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow fromregistration to issue of a Fastpass as shown in relation to the messagesflowing to the screen of the input device to the point of obtaining theFastpass ticket.

FIG. 17 is a process flow diagram illustrating the use of the Fastpasswith the mobile device at an attraction accessible on a priority basiswith the Fastpass device.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the components of the system Fastpasssystem.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of theregistration logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of thereservation logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of thevalidation logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of the alertlogic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present disclosure.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, well-known features may have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the disclosure.

There is at least a method and a system for managing admission to anattraction. The system is particularly applicable for use in anenvironment where the number of customers which desire access to anattraction is greater, at one or more times, than the capacity of theattraction. Such a condition may be referred to as a condition ofinsufficient capacity. By insufficient capacity, it is meant that fewercustomers can be accommodated at/by the attraction than wish to beaccommodated at a particular time or over a period of time. Thiscondition may arise by an imposed limitation, such as where it isdesired to limit the number of persons in a particular area at a giventime. This may be for safety or a variety of other purposes. Thiscondition may also arise due to physical limitations, such as the numberof seats on a particular ride and the cycle time of the ride.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present disclosure.The system is for use in controlling admission or entry to an attraction22. As used herein, the term “attraction” is meant to comprise anylocation or presentation to which one or more customers wish to gainaccess. The attraction may comprise a location at which a service isprovided, such as a ride, stage or other show, theater, parade,restaurant or other food service, merchandise location, transportationor the like. The attraction may also comprise a geographic location,such as a natural wonder, art museum or the like. Thus, while the systemhas particular applicability to and is described herein for use incontrolling access to a ride-type attraction, the system may be used ina wide variety of other environments where it is desired to avoid lines.

The system includes a first queue 24 by which customers gain access tothe attraction 22 by waiting in a line, much as has been done in theprior art. In other words, the customers in the first queue 24 have anorder in line based on a time at which they enter the queue, and areable to utilize the attraction in that order when a space or capabilityis available. In one or more embodiments, the queue 24 includes aturnstile 28, or similar device for controlling access, positioned at anentrance of the attraction 22. The queue 24 may also include ropes,fences 30 or the like for defining a space in which the customers lineup.

The customers in the first queue 24 are permitted to access theattraction when there is an open spot not filled by the customersaccessing the attraction via the second queue 26. As described in moredetail below, the number of customers permitted to access the attractionvia the second queue 26 may be adjusted to provide a certain number ofopen spots for customers in the first queue 24. For example, 80% of theavailable spots for the attraction may be dedicated to and filled bycustomers from the second queue 26, while the remaining 20% are filledby customers from the first queue 24. In addition, if one or more of thespots dedicated to the customers of the second queue 26 are not filled,such as if one or more customers who obtain passes for accessing thesecond queue 26 do not return to access the attraction, then these spotsmay be filled by customers in the first queue 24. As described in moredetail below, this arrangement permits the attraction to operate at alltimes at optimum capacity.

The system of the disclosure also includes the second queue 26 by whichcustomers gain access to the attraction 22 without waiting in a line andthereby avoid the first queue 24. In one or more embodiments of thesystem, the system includes at least one validator for validating theright of a customer to receive an assigned time to access the attractionvia the second queue.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the system includes a firstvalidator 32 validating the right of a customer to receive an assignedfuture time to utilize the second queue 26, and a second validator 34for permitting the customer to access the attraction 22 at a future timevia the second queue 26. In this manner, the customer can avoid thefirst queue 24.

In operation, a customer utilizes the first validator 32 to obtain anassigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the secondqueue 26. As described below, in one embodiment, an entitled or“validated” customer may be issued a pass which includes a time or timerange at which the customer is entitled to return and utilize theattraction. The amount of time between the time a pass is issued and thetime at which the customer can utilize the attraction depends on anumber of factors, including the number of people who have alreadyobtained passes, the capacity of the attraction, the operating speed ofthe attraction, staffing availability, the capacity of the attractionallocated to the customers accessing it via the second queue, and anydelays related to operation of the attraction.

When the assigned time or time range (such as that indicated on thepass) occurs, the customer is entitled to access the attraction withoutwaiting in line. The customer accesses the second queue 26 andestablishes entitlement to access the attraction via the second queue26. In one embodiment, the customer presents the issued pass at secondvalidator 34 and if the pass is valid, i.e., the time or time range isappropriate, the pass is not counterfeit, etc., the customer is admittedto the attraction.

A customer may only use the second queue when the customer has notpreviously been issued a yet unused or unexpired pass. This scheme is toprevent customers from obtaining multiple passes for a singleattraction, preventing others from enjoying it, or to prevent customersfrom reserving admittance to multiple attractions. A customer may bepermitted to obtain multiple passes to one or more attractions, asdescribed in greater detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, at or near an entrance to attraction 22, acustomer is presented with a point of decision 36 where the customerdecides whether to access the attraction 22 via the first queue 24 orthe second queue 26. When there is no appreciable line in the firstqueue 24, the customer may decide to forego the second queue and utilizethe attraction in a prior art manner. If the line or queue 24 is toolong, or if the customer wishes to utilize the system of the disclosure,the customer chooses the second queue 26.

The system includes a first queue wait time generator 31 and associateddisplay 33. The first queue wait time generator 31 is configured togenerate a time regarding the wait associated with accessing theattraction via the first queue 24 by a customer about to enter the firstqueue 24. Of course, the wait time may be calculated manually, such asby tracking the wait time of one or more particular customers throughthe first queue 24 from time of entry until time of attraction access.In one or more embodiments, the first queue wait time generator 31includes sensors which provide data for use by the generator 31 indetermining a current length of the wait associated with that line. Thesensors may provide information such as the physical length of the line.The generator 31 may use this information and information such as thecurrent ride capacity, percentage of capacity allocated to customersaccessing via the second queue 26, and other factors for generating anapproximate first queue wait time. Various data for use by the generator31 may be input manually as well. For example, a ride operator mayvisually estimate the physical length of a line and input line lengthdata to the generator 31. The first queue wait time display 33 isconfigured to provide a customer at the point of decision 36 with thefirst queue wait time information. The display 33 may comprise a digitalor other display for displaying hours and/or minutes of wait time.

The system includes a second queue time display 35. This display 35 isconfigured to display the next time which will be assigned to a customerfor accessing the attraction through the second queue 26. The display 35may comprise a digital or other display displaying hours and/or minutesof wait time.

Using the information regarding the access times available to a customervia the displays 33 and 35 respectively, a customer is aided in theprocess of deciding to access the attraction through the first or secondqueues 24 and 26 respectively.

The first validator 32 for verifying entitlement of a customer to anassigned future time may be located remote from the attraction or theremay be more than one first validator 32, one located near the attractionand one or more located remote therefrom. For example, a first validator32 may be located near an entrance to a theme park. In such an event, adisplay 33 for displaying first queue waiting time and a display 35 fordisplaying the next available time for accessing the attraction via thesecond queue 26 may be located at the remote first validator 32 as well.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system having a first validator32, a media distributor 38, and a second queue 26 having an associatedsecond validator 34. The first validator 32 is arranged to determine orverify that a customer is entitled to an assigned future time foraccessing the attraction via the second queue 26. In one embodiment, thefirst validator 32 establishes the right of a customer to a pass havingan assigned future time, the pass for use by the customer in gainingaccess to the attraction 22 via the second queue 26 at the future time.The first validator 32 may comprise a card-reader type device, which isarranged to read a magnetic stripe on a ticket issued to the customer.In such an arrangement, each customer may be provided with a ticket orsimilar element, which establishes a customer's right to access theattraction 22.

In an embodiment where the attraction 22 is inside of or part of a themepark, the ticket customer uses for validation may be a ticket which isissued to the customer by which the customer gains access to the parkitself. In such an arrangement, the first validator 32 may be arrangedto communicate with a main database containing information regarding thecustomer(s), such as by ticket numbers, which are entitled to utilizethe second queue 26.

The first validator 32 may be arranged to read input from a keypad,information on a card, to accept issued tokens, identify one or morebiometric identifiers of a customer such as a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID); retina, voice, thermal, finger or hand geometrysignature; or a visual identification of the customer or the like.

If the first validator 32 establishes the right of the customer to anassigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the secondqueue 26, then the media distributor 38 distributes a pass to a customerwhich the customer may utilize to access the attraction via the secondqueue 26. In one embodiment, the media distributor 38 comprises aprinter, which prints a paper pass or similar element. The mediadistributor 38 may issue one or more of a wide variety of media aspasses, such as magnetic-stripe encoded or “smart” cards, punch-typecards, coded tokens, barcode, infrared signal, or biometric identifierssuch as those set forth above and the like.

The pass, which is distributed to each customer by the media distributor38, is arranged to permit the customer to gain access to the attraction22 at a time in the future. The particular time, as described below, mayvary upon a wide variety of circumstances. The time comprises anassigned access time or time range, which is printed on the pass, whichis issued to an entitled customer. In the examples below, the pass isreferred to as having a “time” associated with it. It will be understoodthat this contemplates both a specific time and/or a time range, timeperiod, or time window.

The first validator 32 and the media distributor 38 may be locatedadjacent to the attraction and/or remote therefrom. In the event thefirst validator 32 and media distributor 38 are located near theattraction, after obtaining a pass or the like, the customer may leavethe area of the attraction 22 and need not return to the attraction 22until the time provided on the pass. In the event the customer obtains apass from a remote media distributor 38, the customer simply continuesabout their activities until it is necessary to travel to the vicinityof the attraction at the assigned time. As described in more detailbelow, the right of a customer to obtain passes may be a value addedfeature for which the customer pays additional monies, such as at thesame time as purchasing a main ticket.

The first validator 32 may be integral with a main ticketissuer/validator and second queue access passes may be issued at thesame time or as part of a main ticket. For example, a customer enteringa theme park may be permitted, at the time they present or purchasetheir ticket, to obtain one or more passes providing future timesassigned by the system. This permits a customer to plan or scheduletheir day ahead of time. In this arrangement, the ticket which thecustomer uses to access the theme park may be encoded and/or printedwith access time information for permitting the customer to access oneor more attractions at future times, avoiding the need to issue separatepasses.

The system and method for permitting access to the attraction 22includes a second validator 34 for establishing the right of a customerto access the attraction via the second queue 26 at assigned time. Inone embodiment, the second validator 34 validates the media or passissued by the media distributor 38 and held by a customer. In one ormore embodiments, the second validator 34 comprises a human attendantwhich reads information printed on the pass and verifies theinformation. The attendant may verify the printed assigned time or timerange against the current time, a date of the pass against a currentdate, and the attraction for which the pass is issued.

Alternatively, the second validator 34 may comprise a card reader orother device for confirming the entitlement of a customer to access theattraction 22 via the second queue 26. For example, the second validator34 may be arranged to verify data associated with the element issued bythe media distributor 38, such as a barcode or infrared signal.

The pass issued to a customer may be issued only for reference by thecustomer for knowing and remembering the assigned time or range of time,and the second validator 34 may be configured to verify entitlement ofthe customer in a manner independent of the pass. For example, acustomer may establish entitlement to a pass with a fingerprint, RFID,bar code or other personal biometric data, at the first validator 32.The pass provides written indication of the assigned time to thecustomer. When the customer accesses the second queue 26, the customermay be required to establish validation at the second validator 34 witha fingerprint, RFID, bar code or other personal biometric data, again.In this arrangement, the second validator 34 determines that thecustomer is entitled to access the attraction by establishing that theidentify of the customer with the fingerprint and determining if thetime the customer is accessing the second queue 26 is at the time/in therange of time which was assigned to the customer. It may be appreciatedthat the second validator 34 may be configured to establish validationin one or more of the variety of manners described above with respect tothe first validator 32. It should be appreciated that customers may notbe issued passes at all.

One or more schemes are provided for determining the access time whichis associated with each media which is issued by the media distributor38. A time at which a customer is permitted to gain access to theattraction 22 via the second queue 26 is dependent upon one or more of avariety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following: thecapacity of the attraction, the capacity of the attraction which isallocated to customers accessing through the second queue 26, the totalnumber of customers who may wish to access the attraction 22, thecurrent and future staffing of the attraction, the demographics of thecustomers, the time of day and the day of the week.

The system includes a controller 44. As illustrated, the controller 44is arranged to control the media distributor 38. The controller 44 mayalso be arranged to control other aspects of the system, such as thefirst validator 32. In one or more embodiments, the controller 44receives attraction capacity and/or time information and instructs themedia distributor 38 what time to issue in association with each pass.The controller 44 may send a signal to the second queue time display 35for displaying the next time to be assigned.

A keypad 46 or other data entry/control device, such as a keyboard,mouse, joystick or the like, may be provided for manually entering dataand controlling the controller 44. The keypad 46 may be used to enterspecific time information, reset the controller and the like. A displayscreen 47 such as a CRT may be associated with the controller 44 andkeypad 46 for permitting a user to view information regarding thesystem.

A local server 48 is arranged to send and receive data. The local server48 is arranged to receive data about the capacity and othercharacteristics of the attraction 22. For example, various sensors maybe associated with the attraction 22 for providing data. In one or moreembodiments, the sensors not shown may monitor ride speed, the number ofcustomers passing through or standing in the first queue 24, thecapacity of the ride, etc. The local server 48 may receive data fromthese sensors at various times or continuously, or may transmit specificrequests for data. In other embodiments, the local server 48 may be aremote server in communication with the attraction and sensors.

Information may be inputted manually or automatically. For example, eachstaff member currently available to operate a ride may manually entertheir employee code to indicate to the system that they are available tooperate the system. Based on the number of employees, which areindicated as available, adjustments may be made to the number ofcustomers which are likely to be serviced during a period of time.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, many currentattractions, such as thrill rides, already include sophisticated ridecontrol systems. These systems have a variety of sensors and controlsfor monitoring and controlling the ride. The local server 48 may simplycomprise an interface with the individual ride control systems forreceiving information therefrom.

The information provided to the server 48 is transmitted to an algorithmprocessor 50. The algorithm processor 50 utilizes the data to determinetimes for issuance by the media distributor 38. In general, it isdesired that the algorithm processor 50 issue a time associated witheach media which permits the customer to return to the attraction 22 atthe predetermined time at the second media validator 34 and access theattraction 22 such as via second validator 34 without standing in aline. In order to accurately balance demand and capacity, the algorithmprocessor 50 obtains information regarding a variety of factors, whichaffect demand and capacity. Although shown as separate entities in FIG.2, the controller 44 and algorithm processor 50 may be implemented as asingle device or process.

If the wait associated with the first queue 24 becomes longer than adesirable time, then the algorithm processor 50 may be arranged to issuefewer numbers of access times or access times which are later in time soas to permit a greater number of customers from the first queue 24 toaccess the attraction 22 for a period of time. In the event the capacityof the attraction 22 suddenly decreases, the algorithm processor 50 maybe arranged to respond in a similar fashion. In the event the capacityof the attraction 22 increases, then the algorithm processor 50 may bearranged to issue a greater number of access times.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, more than one media distributor 38 and firstvalidator 40 may be provided at each attraction 22. More than one secondmedia validator may be provided for permitting access to the attraction22.

A computing process determines the mix ratio of numbers of accessesgranted to the priority access and non-priority access. Redemptions ofthe priority accesses are fed back to the computer system such that nearreal time updates of availability for further granting of accesses maybe computed.

There is also the ability to permit at least one of the exchange orreturn of previously assigned priority accesses. Such exchange permitsfor updating the computation of a load of the attraction. A non-use of apriority assignment is factored into a computation of loading.

Multiple Fastpass and Pre-Assignment of Fastpass

A patron may make multiple priority requests for access to attractions.The multiple requests can be for different attractions in theenvironment. Multiple priority requests can be permitted to selectedpatrons. The multiple requests can be for different attractions in theenvironment. The multiple requests for different patrons in a selectedgroup can be regulated relative to at least one or more of the levels ofthe hierarchy of patrons.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure showing the ability to issue multiple Fastpass tickets. Inthat example the hierarchy is based on different locations, which may beremote from the park and also those in closer relation to the park.

The exemplary process of FIG. 4 starts with the marketing and salesdepartment of an organization operating in an entertainment environmentcommunicating that a special Fastpass privilege is available to resortguests. This communication is transmitted preferably wirelessly, throughthe Internet or other network, and communicated to guests resident atresort properties associated with the entertainment environment. A guestthen indicates the desirability of multiple Fastpass tickets before avisit to a park which is the entertainment environment.

Television Fastpass Reservation

There is a next determined whether the resort has rooms with a digitalTV (“DTV”) in the room. If yes, the guest is directed to use the DTV intheir room of occupancy. This availability to use Fastpass can beprovided on the night before or the day of the park visit. If the guesthas already made a schedule, then the guest is asked whether or not theywant to start over and add to their schedule. The guest can then beasked a series of questions related to Fastpass.

If the guest does not have a schedule, then the guest is asked a seriesof different questions. These can relate to which park is being attendedand what time they intend to arrive at the park. The guest then choosesthe appropriate Fastpass tickets that are desired. Having effected that,the return time window is displayed based on a distribution algorithmaround the attendance and historical demand profiles.

The guest can be given a time slot to use the Fastpass and differentrules can be applied to Fastpass allocation as required. If the guest issatisfied with the return time, the guest is given the option ofchoosing whether the attraction is for all guests or for selected guestsin the party. The Fastpass ticket would then be stored in the system andcan later be activated by each guest's KTTW (“Key To The World” card orpass is a trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc).

The guest can be asked whether another Fastpass is required at thecurrent park on the same day for other attractions and different numbersof tickets can be issued.

The guest can be provided with on-screen confirmation for each member ofthe party. Return time windows and height restrictions can be madeavailable to the guest so that the guest has full information necessaryto enable them to be informed and make appropriate decisions on whetheror not to accept this schedule.

Ultimately, the guest can receive a final on-screen confirmation and bedirected to any Fastpass location in the park to receive the multipleFastpasses.

In situations where there is no DTV, the guest is directed to go to akiosk for Fastpass privileges. These kiosks can be located in a commonarea at a resort or a hotel associated with the resort. When a validKTTW card is inserted, meaning that the dates check out with theavailable dates, then the guest is taken through a series of questionssimilar to that where there is a DTV in the system. If the dates do notcheck out, an error message is printed and the guest can try again.

In another embodiment, the Fastpass may be distributed to the patrons ontheir wireless device. For example, the patron may receive a multimediamessage representing the Fastpass ticket to the attraction.Alternatively, the patron may receive a text message, e-mail, etc,displaying text or media as the Fastpass.

The process of using the multiple Fastpass is further described withreference to FIG. 5. The guest enters the park and goes to the Fastpasslocation. The appropriate KTTW card is inserted and all the Fastpasstickets for the day that were booked earlier are received.

The guest is given an option to make changes and exchanges. If a guesthas not changed their mind, then the guest can spend the day at the parkand go to each attraction according to the predetermined tickets thatwere obtained at the appropriate return time window. If a guest changestheir mind due to other attractions or due to return times being betterthan what they got, the guest can go to a Fastpass screen to give orreceive options to determine whether there is a better availability.

At that screen there can be situations where no changes are allowed,situations where guests are permitted to exchange Fastpass privileges.The guest can go to a Fastpass return at a given attraction and a castmember can use a barcode scanning device to void a ticket so that theguest can get another ticket.

If the guest has changed their mind, the guest can go to the Fastpassline and show tickets to the cast member who uses the barcode scanner toread the time, and when permitted the guest can ride the attraction.Alternatively, instead of a cast member, the ticket can be readautomatically by appropriate scanning, reader and/or sensor means.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a protocol by which the masterserver 102, referred to in the figure as the “Master Server Feed”,communicates with the controller 44 of the system associated with eachattraction in one implementation associated with the informationprovided in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5H. FIGS. 7A-7C show a flow diagramillustrating a protocol by which the controller 44 communicates with themaster server 102.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a system in which validation of parkentry tickets and establishment of the entitlement of a customer toaccess the second queue 26 is centralized. In this embodiment, acustomer obtains a ticket, whether pre-purchased or purchased at thegate. A central park admission controller and database 200 storesinformation regarding valid tickets. A customer is permitted to enterthe park via a turnstile 202 or other monitored entry when thecustomer's ticket is validated. For example, the customer's ticket maybe read by a ticket reader 204 and the data thereon verified by the parkadmission controller 200 against the stored ticket information.

When a customer wishes to obtain an assigned time to access a secondqueue of an attraction, the customer establishes an entitlement via afirst validator 232. The first validator 232 communicates with thecentral park admission controller 200 via a master controller 244. Thisarrangement permits a determination that the customer's ticket is validfor a specific day, has not been revoked or the like. If the ticket isvalidated, then the customer may be provided a pass, such as describedabove, by a media distributor 238. The master controller 244 is alsoarranged to send data to the central park admission controller 200 thata pass has been issued to the customer for that attraction. Then, if thecustomer attempts to gain a pass for that or another attraction whilethe first pass is outstanding, the database associated with the parkadmission controller 200 has a record of the outstanding pass and thecustomer will be denied the additional pass.

Again, an algorithm processor 250 is arranged to communicate with themaster controller 244 to provide times to be assigned and printed by themedia distributor 238.

In one or more embodiments, the system may be arranged so that not allcustomers are entitled to access the attraction 22 via the second queue.In another embodiment, one or more customers may be permitted to accesscertain attractions via the second queue and other attractions only viathe first queue. In one or more embodiments, only customers which pay apremium amount or obtain some special entitlement are permitted toaccess one or more attractions via the second queue.

Operation, Effect And Other Features

In operation, in one or more embodiments, a customer receives a ticketor other entitlement. For example, at an amusement park, a customer paysfor a ticket to gain entry to the park. With respect to the embodimentof the disclosure illustrated in FIG. 3, the main server 104 storesinformation regarding the customer's ticket.

At some point a customer may wish to access a particular attraction 22.When the customer reaches the attraction, they are presented with anoption. First, the customer may access the attraction through thetraditional first queue 24. Optionally, the customer may access theattraction 22 via the second queue.

Referring to FIG. 9, if the customer wishes to access the attraction 22via the second queue 26, the customer first validates entitlement toreceive an assigned time to access the second queue 26. In oneembodiment, the customer slides a portion of his ticket through a cardreader portion of the first validator 32. In one or more otherembodiments, validation may be performed by scanning a fingerprint orthe like as described above.

In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, the first validator 32 thensends a confirmation request through the local server 48 to the mainserver 104. The main server 104 verifies that the ticket is on the listof valid tickets. If the ticket is not verified, then the main server104 sends this data back to the first validator 32 which may illuminateor print out an indication of such to the customer. In an embodimentwhere the customer is not entitled to more than one pass or entitlementto a second queue at a time, the first validator 32 is configured toverify that the customer has no other outstanding entitlements/passes.

In one embodiment, such as in the system illustrated in FIG. 2, if theticket is verified, the first validator 32 sends a signal of such to themedia distributor 38. The media distributor 38 then issues a pass to thecustomer. The pass includes an assigned access time at which thecustomer is entitled to return to the attraction 22 in the future andaccess the attraction 22 through the second queue 26.

The customer may then leave the area of the attraction 22. During thistime, the customer may shop, eat or engage in a wide variety of otheractivities.

At the appointed time, the customer returns to the attraction 22 andseeks access to the attraction via the second queue 26. The customerestablishes entitlement to access the attraction via the secondvalidator 34. In the embodiment where the customer is provided with apass which provides access, the customer presents the issued pass to aperson who verifies the current time and the time printed on the pass,the date of the pass and the attraction for which the pass providesaccess. If validated, then the customer is permitted to access theattraction 22. As provided above, the customer may establish entitlementto access the attraction in accordance with other methods, such as byscanning a fingerprint again.

In one or more embodiments, the customers gaining access to theattraction through the first and second queues may be separated. Forexample, for a ride having four cars, the first two cars may be filledwith customers from the first queue 24 and the second two cars filledwith customers from the second queue 26. In one or more embodiments, thecustomers gaining access to the attraction 22 are integrated inaccordance with the allocated capacity to the first and second queuecustomers.

In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted toaccess an attraction via the second queue 26 apart from the standardmethod of establishing entitlement at the first validator 32 and thenreturning to the second queue 26 of the attraction at the assigned time.For example, one or more passes may be issued to a number of customerswhich include pre-assigned times. One or more customers might, forexample, be issued passes on the same day or days or weeks before theassigned date of access. A customer arranging a trip to a theme park maybe permitted to purchase passes. In one or more embodiments, theseassigned “spots” are accounted for by the system when determining otherpasses to issue to those accessing the attraction with the firstvalidator.

In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted toaccess an attraction via the second queue 26 or even a third queuewithout a pass. For example, special VIP, disabled or other customersmay be permitted to access the attraction via the second queue 26 or athird queue which permits the customer to access the attraction at anytime.

As described above, in one or more embodiments of the system and methoda customer is prevented from obtaining more than one entitlement or passfor accessing an attraction at a single time. In another arrangement,some customers may be permitted to obtain multiple passes. In oneembodiment, the system may be arranged to permit customers to obtainmultiple passes at some times and not at others. For example, if thewait time for accessing one or two attractions is particularly long(whether by the first or second queue 24, 26) the system may be arrangedto permit customers to obtain passes for different attractions so thatthe customer avoids the need to access one attraction before obtaining apass for accessing another attraction.

Advantageously, the method and system of the present disclosure permitsone or more customers to gain access to an attraction without having towait in a standard line to access the attraction. This permits thecustomer to engage in other activities instead of waiting in line. Suchactivities may comprise shopping or eating.

In one or more embodiments, the method and system advantageously permits“real-time” adjustment of the flow of customers to the attraction 22 viathe first and second queues. This is advantageous since it permitsoptimization of the capacity of the attraction with the demand ofcustomers. In the event the line of customers in the first queue 24becomes excessively long, the system can provide for an adjustment inthe number of customers permitted to access the attraction 22 via thesecond queue 26 and thus reduce the wait time associated with the firstqueue. In addition, in the event the capacity of the attraction 22suddenly decreases, the system can provide for an adjustment in thenumber of customers and/or access times via the second queue 26 toprevent a build up of customers accessing the attraction 22 via thefirst and/or second queues. In the event the capacity of the attraction22 increases, the system can provide for an additional number ofcustomers to access the attraction 22 via the second queue 26 and/oradjust the access times to permit more customers to access theattraction.

Hierarchal Structure

The disclosure also provides for managing admission to an attractionwhere there is a hierarchical structure for patrons using a prioritybasis set by the hierarchal system. Patrons in the hierarchy arepermitted access to a first attraction based on where they fall in thehierarchy. For example, those visitors staying in a partner resort hotelplanning a visit for the next day may be granted a higher priority thanthose patrons visiting the park for the day.

A request for an allocation of a space on the first attraction includesthe steps of:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a patron at a remote location. The        input is communicated to a central computer for requesting        access to an attraction;    -   ii. allocating available return times in relation to the level        of a patron in the hierarchy;    -   iii. transmitting the available return times for the first        attraction to the patron at the remote location; and    -   iv. permitting the patron to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

The hierarchy in one format is determined on the basis of those remotelylocated from the environment when making a priority request and thoselocated at the environment making the priority request. Alternatively,the hierarchy is based on those resident in a facility associated withthe environment when making the request, and those located at theenvironment making the priority request.

The advantages of the hierarchal aspects of the disclosure are describedin relation to Segmentation, Guest Value Features, Models, Exchange,Distribution, Redemption, and Technical Features.

Segmentation

Different hierarchal models can be established for the ability and rightto obtain and use the Fastpass according to different priorities.

-   -   1. Guest        -   a. Spending per guest at hotels can determine different            hierarchies of access to Fastpass. Thus, the more that is            spent by a patron, the higher the priority can be for            Fastpass.        -   b. Hotel accommodation in related resorts and environments            associated with the entertainment center are allocated            different priorities. Where a patron is in a related hotel,            a higher priority can be given.        -   c. Different levels and hierarchies can be applicable at            different hotels. Thus, more luxurious hotels can have            higher priorities.    -   2. Seasonal differences can be factored into the grant of        different privileges. Accordingly, special promotions for        Fastpass can be provided according to the season.

Guest Value Features

By providing remote access at different early times, there can bedifferent advantages and benefits.

-   -   1. Early Fastpass Access        -   a. There is the ability to offer guests early access to            Fastpass via their in-room TV, (DTV or hotel kiosk), to            select the attractions for a Fastpass is required.            -   i. The ability to access this access may be variable,                such as the night before, day of prior to entertainment                park open, and day of after park opens.        -   b. Pre-Arrival            -   i. The Fastpass may be obtainable via the WEB from a                remote location such as a home computer                -   I. The Fastpass may be supplied as printed paper                    tickets                -   II. the Fastpass may be supplied electronically and                    wirelessly through a download to a PDA or cellular                    telephone    -   2. Multiple Fastpass accesses for Resort guests is possible        -   a. Each Guest per room is able to select same or separate            Fastpass as others in the room. As each attraction is            selected Guest can select which Guests want that selection.        -   b. The ability to offer different numbers (i.e. more than 3,            could be variable) of Fastpass based on segmentation.    -   3. There is the ability to offer premium return times based on        segmentation.    -   4. There is the ability to let segmented guests have first        chance to certain inventory.    -   5. There is the ability to allow guests with parkhopper        entitlements to choose a Fastpass for a second park on the same        day.    -   6. There is the ability to issue a concurrent Fastpass for the        day guest (with long virtual waits).

Models

The attendance and use profiles can be fed into the computer system toprovide advantages for modeling and planning the flow of patrons in theentertainment venue.

-   -   1. There is the ability to forecast return times so as not to        disadvantage the day guest. This is to minimize the impact to        Day Guests, and on first-in first-out guests.    -   2. There will be better inventory control through more        information driving the inventory availability is possible.        These include        -   a. The ability to dynamically change/tune the algorithms to            maximize yield by adding factors to the model            -   i. as they are discovered            -   ii. made available in an automated fashion (e.g.                no-shows, weather forecast feeds, current resort                occupancy, current or projected park attendance, ride                capacity, etc.)        -   b. The ability to dynamically change availability for resort            and day guests.        -   c. The ability to adjust by day which attractions are            offered.

Exchange

-   -   1. Guests are able to exchange Fastpass once inside the park        -   a. For a different ride        -   b. Guests are able to exchange for same ride, new time, if            available        -   c. The exchange should come from the global inventory and            add back the ticket they are exchanging.

Guest Fastpass Distribution

-   -   1. Fastpass location in the park can be:        -   a. Any        -   b. First        -   c. Any of the selected    -   2. In resort or accommodation associated with the entertainment        area        -   a. Kiosk in lobby        -   b. Delivered to room        -   c. At front desk    -   3. Cell phone, pager, smart toy, PDA, or/other New Technology    -   4. Linked to KTTW card        -   a. KTTW cards, whether or not they have ticket media, should            be recognized by the system

Redemption

-   -   1. Automatic redemption, for instance by RF-ID, magnetic swipe,        barcode, is possible. Characteristics include any one or more        of:        -   a. Real-time, or near real-time, add back to inventory when            there is a no-show            -   i. Prior patterns related to patron are added to                historical basis of information        -   b. Guest redemption at the point of entry to the attraction            or entertainment area        -   c. Cast post entry by a cast member at an attraction        -   d. This links back to the ticket entitlement for            tracking/reporting    -   5. Cetaure clocks the ability to display information other than        return and wait-times (Unavailable/Closed/etc. messages).

Wireless Reservations and Validation

Patrons are permitted priority access to one or more attractions by aprior allocation of a space to the attraction through use of a personalwireless device such as a cellular telephone. A particular advantage ofa cellular telephone is that it is a standard wireless communicationmeans inexpensively accessible to many customers, and is indeed adevice, which is essentially becoming common place and owned and usedregularly by consumers internationally. Cellular telephones are becomingthe standard and common form of mass communication wirelessly, and assuch the application of the disclosure is particularly directed to thecellular telephone form of wireless mobile communication device. Othermobile communications devices could be used, however the preferredapplication is for the cellular telephone, which is workable preferablyfor keying activation and/or voice actuation.

A patron of an attraction can conveniently use their cellular telephonein order to gain access to an attraction. The cellular telephone ispreferably capable of sending and receiving e-mail or text messages.Alternatively, the cellular telephone is preferably capable ofretrieving and viewing Internet Web pages or data.

The patron first registers with the reservation system. This may be donein a number of ways. For example, the patron manually enters anidentifier from their ticket, such as a ticket number, onto the keypadof their cellular phone. This identifier is then sent to a web site. Acentral computer validates that the ticket number or other identifier isa ticket issued on that day. This avoids the situation where a personaccesses the web site and requests access to attractions when they arenot going to be present in the park that day. Once a patron has beenvalidated, messages are returned to their cellular telephone promptingpatrons to choose from at least one of a plurality of attractionsavailable for making reservations.

Alternatively, an employee at the entertainment venue may use a devicesuch as a scanner to read information on the patron's ticket. Thiseliminates any need for the patron to manually enter a ticket numberinto the telephone. This information may be associated with the patron'stelephone number or other unique identifier associated with theirpersonal wireless device and sent to a central computer. The patron thenreceives a message on their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions for reserving access.

Once a patron has been successfully validated or registered with thesystem, the system recognizes their personal wireless device for anallotted time period. For example, the allotted time period may be forthe amount of time the ticket is good, such as one day. The patron canthen communicate back-and-forth, requesting reservations to anattraction, and receiving validation of their reservation.

In an exemplary embodiment, validation is received in the form of abarcode image displayed on the cellular telephone display screen. Thepatron then uses the cellular telephone at the entrance of theattraction to validate their access to the ride by holding it up to abarcode scanning device.

In another embodiment, the cellular phone of the patron may display anmultimedia image and sound as an admission ticket. Alternatively, a textmessage can function as the electronic admission ticket.

In other embodiments, other media such as a paper ticket may be used.The patron would go to a media generator to pick up their ticket. A barcode can be provided on the paper ticket. The use of the Fastpass systemin a mobile sense with a wireless device such as a cellular telephone isnow further described.

As is shown in FIG. 10, a guest would enter a process to obtain parkadmission electronically, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The cellulartelephone is preferably capable of sending and receiving e-mail or textmessages. Alternatively, the cellular telephone is preferably capable ofretrieving and viewing Internet Web pages or data. This operation of thecellular telephone or wireless device can be effected by keying inrequests, responding to prompts on a screen or orally. As such thedevice can include voice recognition software or other similarcapabilities.

The patron first registers with the mobile Fastpass system. This may bedone in a number of ways. For example, the patron manually enters anidentifier from their ticket (such as a ticket number) onto the keypadof their cellular phone. This identifier is then sent to a web site. Acentral computer validates that the ticket number or other identifier isthat a ticket issued on that day. This avoids the situation where aperson accesses the web site and requests access to attractions whenthey are not present in the park. Once a patron has been validated, amessages returned to their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions available for makingreservations.

Alternatively, an employee at the entertainment venue may use a devicesuch as a scanner to read information on the patron's ticket. Thiseliminates any need for the patron to manually enter a ticket numberinto the telephone. This information may be associated with the patron'stelephone number or other unique identifier associated with theirpersonal wireless device and sent to a central computer. The patron thenreceives a message on their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions for which access isbeing reserved.

More detail of a system in accordance with the present disclosure isshown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Generally, an admission is purchased and issued to a patron entering anentertainment environment. In one embodiment, the admission ticket datais scanned to the entertainment venue. Admission ticket data for the dayis made available to the Fastpass system, granting those patrons whohave purchased tickets access to the system for that day. Thereafter, acellular telephone is used to interface with the system.

In another embodiment, registration is effected in advance. A guestaccesses a web page through a cellular telephone or other web enableddevice and register a ticket ID and the necessary information. The webtelephone through a screen indicates the ability to get ticketinformation. This information can be sent to an e-mail address or can besent to a physical address. When the registration is effected inadvance, this is checked against an advanced database by passing asignal from the cellular telephone to the database through anappropriate transmission. Ticketing information is thereby obtained whenthere is consistency with the data.

Once a patron has been successfully validated or registered with thesystem, the system recognizes their personal wireless device for anallotted time period. For example, the allotted time period may be forthe amount of time the ticket is good for, such as one day. The patroncan then communicate back-and-forth, requesting reservations to anattraction, and receiving validation of their reservation.

In some embodiments, validation is acquired by accessing the Fastpassissue site and acquiring an actual Fastpass ticket. Through the cellulartelephone, the guest would receive mail with information on the Fastpassissue site, which can be located at a kiosk or different site in theentertainment environment or some resort or facility associated with theentertainment environment.

In an exemplary embodiment, validation is received in the form of abarcode image displayed on the cellular telephone display screen, as isillustrated in FIG. 13. The patron then uses the cellular telephone atthe entrance of the attraction to validate their access to the ride byholding it up to a barcode scanning device. In other embodiments, othermedia such as a paper ticket may be used. The patron must go to such amedia generator to pick up their ticket.

When there is information received which conforming to the advancedatabase registration, the cellular telephone of the guest receives ane-mail with the Fastpass issue site address. The screen of the cellulartelephone will then show the appropriate welcoming message to Fastpassindicating the appropriate website. Through the interaction with thekeypad on the cellular telephone, the Fastpass is acquired by clickingthrough different attractions and selecting the Fastpass at a time rangewhich is available and given by the provider of the ticket. When aFastpass ticket is acquired, a barcode or the like is then displayed onthe cellular telephone of the user.

The use of the Fastpass is achieved by presenting the barcode in frontof a scanner to validate the Fastpass entry. The scanner would beassociated with the attraction.

FIG. 14 is a further illustration of a mobile system in accordance withthe present disclosure. Cellular telephones having the ability to accessweb pages are utilized by patrons to communicate with a server in orderto request and receive access to an attraction. An appropriate firewallis in place and where access is possible to the server, communicationstake place between the cellular telephone and the server. Communicationwith the server may be restricted or limited based on the telephoneservice provider. There are additionally appropriate computers PC1 andPC2 transmit information to the server wirelessly or through LAN line asnecessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the cellular telephone communicates throughthe firewall with the server operating the website, for instancewww.fastpass.com. Similarly, the cellular telephone operates through thefirewall with a database management system and computers for issuingtickets and Fastpass tickets. There can be a dedicated line connectionbetween the production server operating the website and the serversoperating the attractions and access to the attractions through theentertainment environment.

FIGS. 16-17 show the message flow on a screen of a cellular telephone aspresented to a user in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Amessage is generated from the server operating the Fastpass site.Welcome message 160 is shown along with information regardingregistration 162. The user is prompted to enter information such asticket ID, mailing address, and telephone number. This information isthen sent to a server for processing to ensure that the ticket ID ornumber is valid. Confirmation that registration has been successfullycompleted along with the address or link to the Fastpass ticket issuesite is then sent by e-mail to the user. Information is given to theuser on the cellular telephone about the Fastpass ticket and theregistration number.

A user uses selection means on the telephone to select the differentattractions for which the user requires a Fastpass ticket. Return timesare then provided by the computer system operating the loading on theattraction and other attractions in the entertainment environment. Whena Fastpass ticket is acquired, a barcode or other such signal isprovided to the cellular telephone, which can then be used at theattraction when using the Fastpass to access the attraction. Informationabout the issued Fastpass is then presented to the user includingindications as to when the Fastpass is available for use, such as beingin or out of time, whether the Fastpass can be used for more than onepatron and/or whether the Fastpass can be used multiple times.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the components of an illustrativeembodiment of the Fastpass system. In one embodiment, the registrationdevice that the patron utilizes may be a computing device 1802, alandline telephone 1816, an SMS enabled cell phone 1812, an MMS enabledcell phone 1814. The MMS enabled cell phone 1814 can have installed aFastPass client application that permits user-friendly interaction withthe patron, the ability to perform calculations on the cell phoneitself, etc. The computing device 1802 may reside on a television unitin a hotel room, or in a computer having a web client application. Inanother embodiment, the computing device 1802 may be connected to theInternet 1808 or an LAN 1806. The Internet 1080 and the LAN 1806 mayserve as communication networks with a FastPass server 1810. The Faspassserver 1810 includes algorithms to calculate the number of requests foreach attraction, the number of patrons assigned to the FastPass queuefor each attraction, the number of unredeemed passes, etc.

The SMS enabled cell phone 1812 and the MMS enabled cell phone 1814 maycommunicate with the FastPass server 1810 through their respectivecommunication networks, and then through a gateway 1820 that allowscommunication with the FastPass server 1810.

The patron may enter a request for a FastPass admission ticket in any ofthe registration devices. For example, the patron may enter the requestfor an admission ticket in the computing device 1802, the landlinetelephone 1816, the SMS enabled cell phone 1812, the MMS enabled cellphone 1814. The patron may remotely request that a FastPass admissionticket be issued by inputting identification information in any of theregistration devices and thereafter, once the FastPass is issued, theuser can receive the electronic FastPass admission ticket in the handheld device. After the request is entered in the registration device, avalidator program determines if the request is valid.

A request validator program ensures that the patron making the requesthas permissions to request a FastPass admission ticket. In anotherembodiment, the request validator program may be installed on thepatron's cell phone such as the SMS enabled cell phone 1812 or the MMSenabled cell phone 1814. When the request is made, the SMS enabled cellphone 1812 or a cell phone configured with an application 1814 receivethe request and process the request internally in a CPU integrated inthe cellular phone. The request validator checks that the patron is aregistered patron with the FastPass system by querying a registrationdatabase. The registration database may reside on the FastPass server1810.

In another embodiment, the validator program may be on the FastPassserver 1810. Thus, when the patron makes a request for an admissionticket, the FastPass server 1810 receives the request from the patron'sSMS enabled cell phone 1812 or the MMS enabled cell phone 1814. Inanother embodiment, the FastPass server 1810 receives the request fromthe computing device 1802 or the landline telephone 1816. As mentionedbefore, the computing device 1802 may be located in a hotel roomtelevision unit or a hotel kiosk.

The computing device 1802 simply receives the request from the patronand relays the information to the FastPass server 1810. The FastPassserver 1810 then confirms that the patron is a registered patron or thatthe patron holds a valid ticket for the attraction park. The FastPassserver 1810 then sends either the time at which the attraction may beaccessed by the patron, and the computing device 1802 dispenses thatinformation to the user. The process of generating the times at which apatron can redeem the admission FastPass ticket at the attraction iscalculated by a controller.

A controller may be implemented in the FastPass server 1810 to generatean assigned time at which the customer may access the attraction. Thecontroller software is configured with an algorithm or computer programthat calculates the number of patrons that have been admitted to theattraction, the maximum waiting time for each patron holding a FastPassticket, and the number of patrons requesting an admission ticket to theattraction. The controller calculates the assigned time which cancomprise the next available time for a patron to enter the attractionwithout having to stand in line.

After the controller calculates the assigned time for the admissionticket of the patron, the ticket is distributed to the patron using adistributor. The distributor may also be implemented on the FastPassserver 1810. The FastPass server 1810 may receive the request over theInternet 1808 or the LAN 1806, and after calculating the admission timefor the patron, the FastPass server 1810 may send the ticket to thepatron's wireless device. The FastPass server 1810 may either connectthrough a gateway 1820 to the cellular communications network 1822,which in turn may be connected to a short message service controller1824 or with a multimedia service controller 1826.

In one embodiment, the patron may receive an electronic admissionsticket on his SMS enabled cellular phone 1812. The command to send themessage may be transmitted by the FastPass server 1810 to the shortmessage service controller 1824. The command is transmitted through thegateway 1820 and through the cellular network 1822. Then, the shortmessage service controller 1824 formats the message in SMS format andtransmits the message through the cellular communications network 1822to the SMS enabled cellular phone 1812 with the information related tothe admission ticket, namely, the attraction name, and the admissiontime. Optionally, a validation code may also be sent in the textmessage.

In another embodiment, In one embodiment, the patron may receive anelectronic admissions ticket on his MMS enabled cellular phone 1814. Thecommand to send the message may be transmitted by the FastPass server1810 to the multimedia message service controller 1826. The command istransmitted through the gateway 1820 and through the cellular network1822. Then, the multimedia message service controller 1826 formats themessage in MMS format and transmits the message through the cellularcommunications network 1822 to the MMS enabled cellular phone 1812 withthe information related to the admission ticket, namely, the attractionname, and the admission time. Optionally, a validation code, graphics,sounds and any other media may also be sent in the multimedia message.

The MMS enabled cell phone 1814 can be programmed with a customerFastPass client application that interprets messages and has thecapability of displaying complex graphics and media related to theadmission ticket. For example, the admission ticket may comprise aunique image corresponding to the ride or attraction. This unique imagecan be encoded so that it may not be sent to another cell phone orcomputing device. This unique image may further be configured to only bea type of image that only the FastPass client application residing inthe MMS enabled cell phone 1814 can recognize.

Thus, the electronic admission ticket received by the patron may be atext message or any other form of digital information that can bedisplayed in a cellular phone's display.

Furthermore, the patron may receive, in simple text or multimedia,informational material related to the attraction. In another embodiment,the informational material relates specifically to the patron based uponan identification of the patron.

The system also comprises an entry validator program that ensures thatthe patron attempting to access the attraction utilizing the electronicadmission ticket has permission to enter the attraction. A validFastPass admission ticket may be installed on a validator wirelessdevice 1804 such as a cell phone or other wireless handheld device thata cast member holds.

Thus, the entry validator wireless device 1804 is utilized by a workerat the park that checks the patrons admitted to the attraction. In oneembodiment, the entry validator wireless device 1804 has an applicationthat is configured for validating admission tickets. For example, thepatron may utilize his MMS enabled cell phone 1814 equipped with theclient application and scan a bar code or another form ofidentification. The entry validator wireless device 1804 can be equippedwith an infrared reader that reads the bar code or any other form ofidentification displayed in the patron's cell phone 1814. If the entryvalidator wireless device 1804 recognizes the identification as valid,the patron is allowed in the attraction.

In another embodiment, the patron's cell phone may be a SMS enabled cellphone 1812 that simply sends and receives SMS messages in order toidentify the patron as a valid user of the attraction. For example, theSMS enabled cell phone 1812 may receive an SMS message with theelectronic admission ticket, where the electronic admission ticket mayinclude a specific code and a time to go to the attraction. Once thepatron receives the code and goes to the attraction, the cast member mayutilize the entry validator wireless device 1804 to enter the code waitfor verification of the validity of the pass. If the code and the timeare valid, the patron is allowed in the attraction.

Alternatively, the entry validator program may be on the FastPass server1810. Thus, when the patron goes to an attraction to redeem an admissionticket the cast member simply receives the information from the patronand enters the information in the validator wireless device 1804. Thevalidator wireless device 1804 then transmits the admission informationto the FastPass server 1810. The FastPass server 1810 looks up thedatabase for verification of validity and if the ticket is valid, sendsa validity message to the validator wireless device 1804. The FastPassserver 1810 then sends the validation to the entry validator wirelessdevice 1804.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of theregistration logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system. Theregistration logic may be implemented on each registration device suchas the computing device 1802 or the patrons SMS enabled phone 1812. Ininput block 1910, an input from the worker at the entertainmentenvironment is received with the user name and the telephone numbercorresponding to the patron that wants to register. Then, in decisionblock 1912, the system determines whether the patron is alreadyregistered by querying the Wireless FastPass reservation database 1918.If the patron is in the system, no further action occurs and the systemreverts to a state of input at process block 1910 in order to wait forthe next request to register a patron.

If the patron is not in the system, then the patron's information isentered in the system at process block 1914. The patron's informationsuch as park admission pass number, attraction name, time and date ofregistration, etc is entered on the Wireless FastPass reservationdatabase 1918. Finally, the reservation system sends back a message tothe patron welcoming the patron to the FastPass system withinstructions. The acknowledgment message may be sent to the wirelessdevice of the patron regardless of what system the patron used toregister. For example, the patron may user an in-room television unit toregister and the confirmation message may be received by the patron onthe cellular phone or other wireless device.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of thereservation logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system. In oneembodiment, the reservation request is made using a cellular phone. Ininput block 2010, the patron enters a reservation request to enter anattraction. The reservation may be entered by either sending a textmessage to a specific destination or phone number. In anotherembodiment, the reservation request may be made through the clientapplication loaded on the cellular phone. In decision block 2016 thephone number is searched in the Wireless FastPass Reservation database1918 and if the phone number is not in the Wireless FastPass Reservationdatabase 1918 a message “Not Found” is generated and sent to the phoneinitiating the reservation. Otherwise, if the phone number is found inthe Wireless FastPass Reservation database 1918 the process continues todecision block 2018.

In decision block 2018 it is determined whether it is valid time to makethe reservation. If the patron has recently made a request for anadmission ticket, a new request for another admission ticket can only bemade after a certain period of time has elapsed. Thus, when receiving afirst attraction ticket, the patron may be given at time after which asecond attraction ticket may be requested. To make this determinationdecision block 2018 queries the wireless FastPass reservation database1918 searching for the status of the patron as related to the ability tomake a new reservation request. If the time is not a valid time torequest a ticket, decision block 2018 will continue to process block2020 where a message is generated and sent to the patron indicating thatthe time is not a valid time to make a reservation request and theprocess finishes. On the other hand, if the reservation request is madeat a valid time, the process continues to decision block 2026 where itis determined if the request is a valid request for an existingattraction or ride. If the request for a reservation ticket includes arequest for an invalid attraction, the patron will receive a message onthe cellular phone or wireless device indicating that the request isinvalid. If the request is for a valid ride, then the process continueson process block 2028 where the reservation time is calculated and theride time information database 2030 is updated. After the calculation, awireless FastPass reservation message is generated in process block2032. In one embodiment, the message comprises text that includes a codeand is received by the SMS enabled cell phone 1812. The text is thenviewed and verified by a validator at the entrance of the attraction. Inanother embodiment, the message comprises text that when interpreted bya patron's MMS enabled cell phone 1814, graphics and media are displayedin the form of an electronic admission ticket. The electronic admissionpass may be displayed on the patron's MMS enabled cell phone 1814.

Next, in process block 2036 the reservation is recorded in the wirelessFastPass reservation database 1918. After the reservation time has beenrecorded, the reservation time is sent to the patron's cellulartelephone in response to the request. The message sent to the patron caninclude the time at which the patron may enter the attraction or aperiod of time at which the patron may enter the attraction. Otherinformation may include the name of the ride, location of the ride, thetime at which a new request can be made, etc.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of thevalidation logic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system. In oneembodiment, the entertainment environment's cast member permits patronsto enter the attraction based on the FastPass admission tickets held bythe customer. The cast member can utilize his own wireless handhelddevice 1804, such as a cell phone, in order to validate the admissionticket presented by the patron. In another embodiment, the cast membermay use a computer terminal 2126 to validate the ticket.

In process block 2110, the cast member enters the patron's telephonenumber on the cell phone 1804 and waits for a response to either admitthe patron or deny access to the attraction. In one embodiment, the castmember validation is transmitted to the wireless FastPass server 1810.In decision block 2112, the wireless FastPass server 1810 utilizes logicto determine whether the patron has a valid FastPass for the currenttime. In order to do this the server may query the ride time informationdatabase 2030 and the wireless FastPass reservation database 2038. Ifthe time of the request is valid then the cast member is prompted at hiswireless device 1804 to accept the FastPass ticket. Else, the wirelessFastPass server 1810 generates a message indicating that the FastPassticket provided by the user is not valid and transmits the message tothe wireless device 1804 of the cast member.

Next, in decision block 2120, the server receives a notification fromthe cast member indicating that the FastPass ticket has been or has notbeen accepted. If it has not been accepted, the process terminates andthe cast member is ready to enter a new number for another patron ininput block 2120. If the ticket has been accepted, the wireless FastPassserver 1810 continues processing at process block 2122 where thereservations from the wireless FastPass reservation database 1918 iscleared. Finally, in process block 2116 a FastPass reservation clearedmessage is sent from the server to the wireless device 1804 of the castmember.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow of the alertlogic in an embodiment of the Fastpass system. The alert logic allows apatron to know when a new FastPass request can be made, when a FastPassticket may be redeemed, gives alerts of ten, fifteen, twenty minutes,etc. before a ticket can be redeemed.

In decision block 2210, it is determined whether the patron is waitingfor a reservation unlock. In other words, decision block 2210 determineswhether the patron is waiting to be able to make a reservation afterhaving made a previous reservation. If the patron is waiting, theprocess continues to decision block 2212 where it is determined if it istime to unlock the phone number and allow the patron to make a newreservation. The current time is compared to a time recorded in the ridetime information database 2030 and in the wireless FastPass reservationdatabase 2038. If the time recorded for the patron to be able to requesta new admission ticket is later than the current time, then the FastPassreservation lock placed on the patron is lifted in process block 2218thus unlocking the patron to be able to make a new request for aFastPass ticket. In one embodiment, a message is sent to the patron inprocess block 2220 indicating that the patron can make anotherreservation request. The message can be in text or any other format inwhich the patron's cellular phone may recognize.

If the time recorded for the patron to be able to request a newadmission ticket is earlier than the current time, the process continuesto decision block 2214. Additionally, if in decision block 2210 it isdetermined that the patron is not waiting for a reservation unlock, theprocess also continues to decision block 2214. Decision block 2214determines whether the current FastPass patron is waiting for areservation. In other words, the patron made a request that was grantedand the patron received an appointment time, or time to go to theattraction, when the reservation time will be redeemed. A plurality ofalarm options are available to remind the patron that the time to go tothe ride is approaching. Thus, if the patron is indeed waiting for areservation, the process continues to decision block 2216 where it isdetermined whether a fifteen-minute warning should be sent to thepatron. If the patron has a FastPass electronic admission ticket in hisor her wireless device, the patron may forget that there is areservation time waiting for him at a particular attraction. The patronmay be busy attending other attractions. As such, a fifteen-minutereminder to the patron serves the system to run more efficiently sincethe patron is more likely to redeem the admission ticket and not requestyet another ticket for the same attraction. In process block 2226 thefifteen-minute reminder is sent to the patron and the process continuesto check for another patron.

If the fifteen-minute reminder is not sent, process block 2230determines if it is time to go to the attraction and enter the FastPassqueue. In process block 2228, the message to ride the attraction is sentto the patron's wireless device, and then the process continues to checkfor alarms for another patron.

In another embodiment, the user may set up the number of reminders hewould like to receive and the number of minutes before the FastPass timeat which each reminder starts.

In decision block 2218 a determination is made to decide whether thereare any more FastPass users that need checking. The logic of alerts maybe applied to all the patrons holding a FastPass admission ticket, oronly to a selection of patrons that elect to be notified of the alert.Once all the patrons have been notified, a configurable delay programmedin process block 2236 is programmed to prevent the system to check thealerts indefinitely. Rather, the checking of the alerts is madeperiodically with a lapse of time equal to the configured delay inprocess block 2236. After the delay, the process is restarted in processblock 2234.

General

Other examples of the use of the disclosure include the ability to havea patron's or user's cellular telephone or wireless device be tracked asthat person moves around the facility, or defined area. For instance,this provides for locating guests or patrons and for the centralfacility computer to track the location of guests and patrons, and makerecommendations as necessary to those persons. In an entertainmentenvironment, when a particular attraction is non-functional for instanceas a priority system or at all, the recommendations can suggestalternative attractions or activities to the patrons. Such alternativescan be accepted on a priority basis in lieu of the unavailable priorityservices for the non-available attraction.

Other kinds of environments envisioned by the disclosure include thosewhere unnecessary crowding may occur and/or where it is desirable tocontrol the flow of masses of people to or from a desired location. Inthis sense, some other examples of the system, apparatus and methods ofthe disclosure include evacuation plans from centers in times ofemergency or potential emergency. Such emergency could be an impendingnational threat or threats arising from subversive forces or people.

Additionally, the system can be used for planning exit strategies fromevents in theaters, stadiums and the like.

In addition, the system can be used for guiding and controlling massesof people in the use of limited transportation systems, such as inpublic transport systems including rail, air, marine and bustransportation.

The system can have application for emergency management applicationsfor different community, state and federal authorities.

The system can assist in evacuations from homes, buildings, centers,entertainment and attraction areas and resorts, which are located inareas of disaster or threatened disaster. As such it can be used formanagement of limited exit routes, which include both foot, road, rail,and airline exits. In this manner, it also provides for the controlledusage of road, rail, marine facilities, vehicles, roadways, railways andairline flights.

A method and system of managing the movement persons from a defined areacomprises communicating with persons, selectively through a wirelessmedium, and more selectively through a cellular telephone in connectionwith departure from a first location. Thereafter application through anentry of a request on the communication medium, selectively a cellulartelephone, for an allocation of a space or time for leaving a designatedfirst location is permitted.

This includes the steps of:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a person at a remote first location,        the input being communicated to a central computer for        regulating the numbers of persons at a first location relative        to persons being directed to at a second location;    -   ii. permitting the receiving of a response by the persons        remotely about available times for the departing from a first        location; and    -   iii. permitting the person to effect a selection of one of the        departure times;

An input, preferably keying, operation is employed through the cellulartelephone to provide for permitting the departure from the firstlocation.

The input from the remote first location is received from a telephonekeypad, selectively a cellular phone keypad. The input is effected frommultiple first locations in the environment, and wherein a keypad of thecellular telephone is used for permitting the departure from multiplefirst locations to multiple selected second locations. Persons at thefirst location, who are not allocated a time for departure, arepermitted to depart on an first-in first-out availability basis.

Many other examples of the disclosure exist, each differing from othersin matters of detail only.

For instance, other variations of the disclosure include the use of dtmf(tone choices), voice recognition, and sms (short messages service) ascommunication mediums along with web/wap. These media are particularlyfor use with the cell phone/wireless applications. Access and Fastpassacquisition can be directly achieved on a dedicated website with orwithout a wireless device for connecting to the site. The differentfeatures of the disclosure can be achieved by the programs of thedisclosure and made available selectively as required or preferred onthe website.

Examples of such wireless devices are cellular phones, PDAs, andnotebook computers. Communication may be through a cellular network(i.e. GSM, CDMA, etc.), radio frequency (i.e. IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth,infrared, etc. Communications protocols used may include DTMF (tonechoices), voice recognition, etc.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of one or more embodimentsof the disclosure, and various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, asdefined by the claims.

1. A method of wirelessly managing the loading of patrons to anattraction in an entertainment environment, comprising: permitting apatron to register a wireless device owned by the patron with theentertainment environment, the patron belonging to a hierarchy level ina hierarchy of patrons; allocating an electronic entry ticket to thepatron through the wireless device, the electronic entry ticketcomprising a time and a patron identifier in short messaging serviceformat, the entry ticket corresponding to the attraction; permitting thepatron to redeem the entry ticket at the time provided for the allocatedentry ticket; and allowing the patron to enter the attraction using thepatron identifier.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thepatron is permitted to register the wireless device only at theentertainment environment.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe patron is further permitted to register the wireless deviceanywhere, including away from the entertainment environment, if thehierarchy level to which the patron belongs has a high priority.
 4. Themethod as claimed in claim 3, wherein the patron is permitted toregister the wireless device using the wireless device.
 5. The method asclaimed in claim 3, wherein the patron is permitted to register thewireless device through a website.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1,further comprising allowing the patron to request the entry ticket for asecond attraction depending on the hierarchy level to which the patronbelongs.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingallowing the patron to make a plurality of requests for entry ticketsfor a plurality of attractions depending on the hierarchy level to whichthe patron belongs.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thetime provided in the allocated entry ticket is a specific time.
 9. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the time provided in the allocatedentry ticket is a specified period of time.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the allocating of the entry ticket to the patron isperformed on a lottery basis.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 10,wherein the patron has a higher probability to receive the entry ticketif the patron belongs to a high probability.
 12. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein the identifier is an identification numbercorresponding to the wireless device.
 13. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the identifier is a biometric feature.
 14. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the identifier is a pass code composed of asequence of characters valid for a predetermined amount of time.
 15. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entry ticket allocated to thepatron through the wireless device is accompanied by promotionalinformation.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein thepromotional information comprises advertisement information.
 17. Themethod as claimed in claim 15, wherein the promotional informationcomprises discounted merchandise coupons.
 18. The method as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the discounted merchandise coupons are related to theattraction.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein thediscounted merchandise coupons are related to merchandise located instores nearby the attraction within the entertainment environment. 20.The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the promotional informationcomprises discounted food coupons.
 21. The method as claimed in claim15, wherein the promotional information comprises a second entry ticketfor a second attraction in the entertainment environment.
 22. The methodas claimed in claim 15, wherein the promotional information comprises anattraction schedule for a second attraction in the entertainmentenvironment.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein thepromotional information is redeemable for a predetermined amount oftime.
 24. A method of wirelessly managing the loading of patrons to anattraction in an entertainment environment, comprising: permitting apatron to register a wireless device owned by the patron with theentertainment environment, the patron belonging to a hierarchy level ina hierarchy of patrons; permitting the patron to make a request for anentry ticket to the attraction in the entertainment environment;allocating the entry ticket to the patron through the wireless device,the entry ticket comprising a time and a patron identifier in multimediamessaging service format; permitting the patron to redeem the entryticket at the time provided for the allocated entry ticket; and allowingthe patron to enter the attraction using the patron identifier.
 25. Themethod as claimed in claim 24, wherein the patron identifier includes animage corresponding to a theme of the attraction.
 26. The method asclaimed in claim 24, wherein the patron identifier includes an imagecorresponding to a theme of the attraction.
 27. A method of wirelesslymanaging the loading of patrons to an attraction in an entertainmentenvironment, comprising: permitting a patron to register a wirelessdevice owned by the patron with the entertainment environment; thepatron belonging to a hierarchy level in a hierarchy of patrons;permitting the patron to make a request for an entry ticket to theattraction in the entertainment environment; allocating the entry ticketto the patron through the wireless device, the entry ticket comprising atime and a patron identifier in multimedia messaging service format;transmitting promotional information through the wireless device;permitting the patron to redeem the entry ticket at the time providedfor the allocated entry ticket; and allowing the patron to enter theattraction using the identifier.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 27,wherein the promotional information comprises advertisement informationfor goods related to the theme of the attraction.
 29. The method asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the promotional information comprisesdiscounted merchandise coupons for goods related to the theme of theattraction.
 30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein thediscounted merchandise coupons are related to the attraction.
 31. Themethod as claimed in claim 29, wherein the discounted merchandisecoupons are related to merchandise located in stores nearby theattraction within the entertainment environment.
 32. The method asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the promotional information comprisesdiscounted merchandise coupons for goods related to the theme of anyattraction in the entertainment environment.
 33. The method as claimedin claim 32, wherein the discounted merchandise coupons have a greaterdiscount for patrons belonging to a hierarchy level in the hierarchy ofpatron which is high.
 34. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein thepromotional information comprises discounted food coupons.
 35. Themethod as claimed in claim 27, wherein the promotional informationcomprises a second entry ticket for a second attraction in theentertainment environment.
 36. The method as claimed in claim 27,wherein the promotional information comprises an attraction schedule fora second attraction in the entertainment environment.
 37. A system formanaging admission to an attraction comprising: a first queue by whichpatrons may access the attraction by waiting in line; a second queue bywhich patrons may access the attraction in a manner which avoids thefirst queue; a television unit that permits a patron to enter a requestto be added to the second queue, the television unit being remote fromthe attraction; a first validator program operably connected with thetelevision unit, the first validator establishing an entitlement of acustomer to make the request; a controller for generating an assignedtime at which said customer may access the attraction, said assignedtime comprising a next available time as determined by an algorithmperformed by said controller, thereby adding the patron to the secondqueue; a distributor for distributing an electronic admission pass tothe patron added to the second queue, the electronic admission passbeing distributed to a wireless device, wherein the electronic admissionpass includes an assigned time at which the patron may enter theattraction, and informational material generated specifically for atleast one of the customer based upon an identification of that customeror to influence pedestrian traffic patterns and a second validator forpermitting said customer to access said attraction at said assignedtime.
 38. A system for managing admission to an attraction comprising: afirst queue by which patrons may access the attraction by waiting inline; a second queue by which patrons may access the attraction in amanner which avoids the first queue; a computing device that permits apatron to enter a request to be added to the second queue, the computingdevice being remote from the attraction; a first validator programoperably connected with the computing device, the first validatorestablishing an entitlement of a customer to make the request; acontroller for generating an assigned time at which said customer mayaccess the attraction, said assigned time comprising a next availabletime as determined by an algorithm performed by said controller, therebyadding the patron to the second queue; a distributor for distributing anelectronic admission pass to the patron added to the second queue, theelectronic admission pass being distributed to a wireless device,wherein the electronic admission pass includes an assigned time at whichthe patron may enter the attraction, and informational materialgenerated specifically for at least one of the customer based upon anidentification of that customer or to influence pedestrian trafficpatterns; and a second validator for permitting said customer to accesssaid attraction at said assigned time.
 39. The method as claimed inclaim 38, where the second validator is a computer program that residesin a cell-phone of a cast member.
 40. A system for managing admission toan attraction comprising: a first queue by which patrons may access theattraction by waiting in line; a second queue by which patrons mayaccess the attraction in a manner which avoids the first queue; acellular phone that permits a patron to enter a request to be added tothe second queue, the computing device being remote from the attraction;a first validator program operably connected with the cellular phone,the first validator establishing an entitlement of a customer to makethe request; a controller for generating an assigned time at which saidcustomer may access the attraction, said assigned time comprising a nextavailable time as determined by an algorithm performed by saidcontroller, thereby adding the patron to the second queue; a distributorfor distributing an electronic admission pass to the patron added to thesecond queue, the electronic admission pass being distributed to thecellular phone, wherein the electronic admission pass includes anassigned time at which the patron may enter the attraction, andinformational material generated specifically for at least one of thecustomer based upon an identification of that customer or to influencepedestrian traffic patterns; and a second validator for permitting saidcustomer to access said attraction at said assigned time.
 41. A methodof wirelessly distributing promotional information to patrons of anattraction in an entertainment environment, comprising: permitting apatron to register a wireless device owned by the patron with theentertainment environment; the patron belonging to a hierarchy level ina hierarchy of patrons; and transmitting promotional information throughthe wireless device in accordance to the hierarchy level of the patronin the hierarchy of patrons.